Stage fright is a common feeling, even for professional performers. But fear not, there are plenty of ways to help your child overcome their anxiety and shine on stage.

1. Practise Makes Perfect

At StageAbility, we tell our cast members this over and over again: The more your child practises their lines and movements, the more confident they’ll feel. Encourage them to rehearse at home, but also remind them that it’s okay to make mistakes. Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process.

2. Positive Visualisation

This may sound a bit woo-woo but there is no doubt that it works! Positive visualisation is a powerful technique that can help your child calm their nerves. Encourage them to imagine themselves performing confidently and successfully. The more they visualise success, the more likely they are to achieve it.

3. Deep Breathing Exercises

Deep breathing is a simple but effective way to reduce anxiety. Teach your child to take slow, deep breaths, inhaling through their nose and exhaling through their mouth. This will help them relax their body and mind.

4. Power Poses

Before a performance, encourage your child to strike a power pose. This means standing tall, with their shoulders back and their chest out. Power poses can boost confidence and reduce stress.

5. Positive Self-Talk

Positive self-talk can help your child reframe negative thoughts. Encourage them to say positive affirmations to themselves, such as “I can do this” or “I’m going to give a great performance.”

6. The Power of the Audience

Remind your child that the audience is there to support them, not judge them. Encourage them to focus on connecting with the audience and sharing their passion for the performance.

7. Embrace the Mistakes

Mistakes happen to everyone in every show, even the best performers. Teach your child to embrace mistakes as learning opportunities. Helping a fellow cast member out of a hole is a real bonding experience! If they make a mistake during a performance, encourage them to simply move on and continue with the show.

8. Celebrate the Small Wins

Celebrate every accomplishment, no matter how small. Whether it’s learning a new line, mastering a difficult dance move, or simply showing up for rehearsal, positive reinforcement can boost your child’s confidence. At StageAbility, we tell our cast that the process of putting a show together is just as important – and joyful – as performing the show itself.

9. Seek Professional Help

If your child’s stage fright is severe and impacting their overall well-being, consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counsellor. They can provide additional strategies and support.

Remember, stage fright is a normal part of performing. By using these tips, you can help your child overcome their anxiety and shine on stage.